Lynyrd Skynyrd is a U.S. Southern rock band that reached prominence during the 1970s under the leadership of Ronnie Van Zant until he died, along with several other band members, in a plane crash in 1977. Their distinctive triple-lead guitar sound made their songs Free Bird, and Sweet Home Alabama American anthems. Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the most critically acclaimed Southern Rock groups and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.